Morning Must Reads: June 19

Mark Wilson—Getty ImagesThe early morning sun rises behind the US Capitol Building in Washington, DC.

In the news: Iraq battle for oil refinery continues; Ukraine fighting separatists amid broken truce; looks like Brian Schweitzer just botched his chance at a Democratic nomination; it might be the perfect time for a Redskins name change; and this week's TIME

“Ukrainian troops and pro-Russian separatists were locked in fierce fighting in the east of Ukraine on Thursday after rebels rejected a call to lay down their arms in line with a peace plan proposed by President Petro Poroshenko, government forces said.” [Reuters]

“One word – ‘Iraq’ – was never mentioned at former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s official portrait unveiling with Secretary of State John Kerry.” [Politico]

“With House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) expected to easily ascend on Thursday to the Majority Leader role being vacated by Eric Cantor (Va.) in July, the scramble by the three candidates hoping to replace McCarthy dominated the Capitol’s marble halls on Wednesday.” [Washington Post]

” … the departure of Mr. Cantor, who had positioned himself as the inevitable successor to Mr. Boehner, significantly altered the dynamic of future House Republican leadership politics. The coming months will determine who can emerge as heir apparent to Mr. Boehner in the absence of Mr. Cantor and get established as the new voice and face of the House majority.” [NYT]

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